H4350 and the 30-06

[ArchAngelCD]

I have been loading 58.0gr H4350 under a 168gr Hornady or Sierra Match bullet for a long time for the 30-06. A while back someone suggested I try 57.0gr H4350 and I finally got around to trying it. Well, I got a surprise today when I ran both rounds over the Chrono. I got a hair more velocity from the 57.0gr load than the 58.0gr load! I know it's possible but it's never happened to me before. It was extremely windy at the range today so I couldn't check the accuracy but all the numbers were much better than my original load so I see no reason why this load won't be as accurate.

Here are the numbers shot from a 26" barrel US Model 1917:
58.0gr with a CCI-200 primer
AV 2871 fps
H 2891 fps
L 2842 fps
ES 49 fps
SD 25 fps
AD 19.4 fps

57.0gr with a CCI-200 primer
AV 2880 fps
H 2882 fps
L 2877 fps
ES 5 fps
SD 2.4 fps
AD 1.5 fps

 

[shaggy430]

Interesting. I would think with the more consistent velocity numbers it would be more accurate. I use 57.0 grains, but I've been meaning to try 58.0. Now I may not mess with it.

 

[loadedround]

You have just found out why advanced reloaders use a chronograph when working up loads. Welcome to the Chrono Club!

 

[NCsmitty]

That's certainly interesting, and makes me wonder what an average hunting barrel length of 22" might give you.
I don't have a 30'06 anymore, but I do love ballistics, especially anomalies like that. Amazing ES.
Thanks for the report.



NCsmitty

 

[USSR]

Arch,

That seems odd that a full grain more produced slightly less velocity. Did you use the same make of brass, the same lot of powder, and chronograph them on the same day and time of day?

Don

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You have just found out why advanced reloaders use a chronograph when working up loads. Welcome to the Chrono Club!

Actually, I've been using a Chrono for quite a few years already. I agree it's an extremely valuable tool when reloading. I shoot at a public range and I can't always set up like I want when it's busy. Like I said, I finally got around to checking the velocity of those loads. (and 4 .223 loads too which supplied no surprises)

That's certainly interesting, and makes me wonder what an average hunting barrel length of 22" might give you. I don't have a 30'06 anymore, but I do love ballistics, especially anomalies like that. Amazing ES.
Thanks for the report.

You're welcome, my pleasure to share data.
That was my thoughts exactly. Because of those results I'm going to bring my hunting rifle next time and check out the same ammo and ammo made with my 165gr hunting bullets too.

Arch,

That seems odd that a full grain more produced slightly less velocity. Did you use the same make of brass, the same lot of powder, and chronograph them on the same day and time of day?

Same make of brass, built the ammo the night before the test, same bullet, shot the two loads about 10-12 minutes apart at the range. BUT, until you asked I didn't remember I DID use a different power lot to make the two loads!!! That would probably account for the difference in velocity numbers! I loaded up 10 with my old charge weight of 58.0gr and didn't have enough powder left over to make 10 of the new load of 57.0gr so I opened a new jug of powder and used it to load all 10 of the 57.0gr load. Wow, thanks for asking that question!